Continental shelf can be formed due to which of the following? Rise...
The correct answer is option 'D', which means that the formation of a continental shelf can be attributed to all three factors: rise in sea level, submergence of a part of the continent, and sedimentary deposits brought down by a river.
Explanation:
1. Rise in sea level:
- A rise in sea level can occur due to various factors such as global warming, melting of polar ice caps, or tectonic activity.
- When the sea level rises, it causes the shoreline to move inland, flooding coastal areas that were previously above water.
- As a result, the land that was once part of the continent becomes submerged and forms a part of the continental shelf.
2. Submergence of a part of the continent:
- The submergence of a part of the continent can occur due to tectonic activity or other geological processes.
- This can lead to the sinking or subsiding of land, causing it to be submerged beneath the ocean.
- The submerged area then becomes part of the continental shelf.
3. Sedimentary deposits brought down by a river:
- Rivers are an important source of sedimentary deposits, which are carried downstream and deposited at the river mouth.
- Over time, these sedimentary deposits accumulate and extend the land area beyond the coastline, forming a shallow, submerged platform known as the continental shelf.
- The sedimentary deposits consist of various materials such as sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.
Overall, the formation of a continental shelf is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. While a rise in sea level and submergence of land contribute to the formation of a continental shelf, the deposition of sedimentary materials by rivers is also a significant factor. This combination of processes results in the gradual extension of the continent beyond the coastline, forming a broad, shallow underwater platform known as the continental shelf.
Continental shelf can be formed due to which of the following? Rise...
Option (d) is the correct answer.
Continental shelf is the submerged edge of a continent which is a gently sloping plain that extends into the ocean.
The typical gradient is less than 1 degree. The average width of continental shelves is about 80 km. The largest
continental shelf is the Siberian shelf in the Arctic ocean, which stretches to 1500 km in width. Because of the gentle slope the continental shelf is influenced by the changes in sea level.
The shelf is formed mainly due to:
- Rise in sea level
- Submergence of a part of a continent
- Sedimentary deposits brought down by rivers.
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